Match Day

Match Preview - Liverpool vs. Arsenal – August 31, 2025

The August 31, 2025, Premier League match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield is expected to be a thrilling this match.

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Liverpool vs. Arsenal in the Premier League on August 31, 2025, at Anfield, is expected to be a thrilling match.

Below is a thorough match preview.

Match Details:

NAME: Liverpool vs. Arsenal
DATE: Sunday, August 31, 2025
TIME: 4:30 PM BST (11:30 AM EST, 15:30 UTC)
VENUE: Anfield, Liverpool, England

When is Arsenal vs. Leeds United?

Liverpool vs. Arsenal is scheduled for an 4.30 pm UK kick-off on Sunday, August 31, 2025.

How to watch?

JioHotstar in India, Sky Sports in the UK, USA Network in US & fuboTV Canada in Canada will all be airing live coverage of the event.

Live Match

Liverpool vs. Arsenal Team News

Liverpool Team News

Injuries:

Joe Gomez: The only known major absence for Liverpool, most likely owing to a knock or minor injury sustained in recent games. Their defensive resources might be stretched in his absence, especially at center-back or as a substitute for full-back positions.

Although no further serious injuries to important players have been recorded, minor knocks can surface closer to the game.

Suspensions: None reported.

Key Updates:

Trent Alexander-Arnold: He will not be playing because he has declared his intention to join Real Madrid. Although his lack of experience against Arsenal's wingers (Saka and Martinelli) may be tested, Conor Bradley is anticipated to start at right-back.

New Signing: Hugo Ekitike, a player from Eintracht Frankfurt, is expected to play in a front three with Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah, giving Liverpool's attack more potency.

Midfield Boost: Liverpool might have a dynamic midfield with Florian Wirtz, a possible new acquisition, playing alongside Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.

Other Notes: Following their championship-winning 2024–25 campaign, manager Arne Slot rotated his team, but this game is anticipated to feature a nearly full-strength roster, with Alisson in goal and Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate bolstering the defense. Ngumoha, a young player who scored a thrilling game-winning goal against Newcastle, could be considered for a bench position.

Arsenal Team News

Injuries:

Gabriel Jesus: Confirmed injured, likely missing the match due to a recurring issue. His absence could see Viktor Gyokeres or Leandro Trossard leading the attack.

Gabriel Magalhaes: Sidelined, a significant blow to Arsenal’s defense, forcing reliance on William Saliba and new signing Cristhian Mosquera.

Takehiro Tomiyasu: Out with a long-term injury, further depleting Arsenal’s defensive options.

Kai Havertz: Doubtful due to a recent injury concern mentioned by Mikel Arteta, though his status could be clarified closer to the match.

Ben White: Questionable but likely to play, as Arteta provided a cautious update on his fitness.

Christian Norgaard: Also mentioned as a potential injury concern but not confirmed out; he may be available for a midfield role.

Suspensions: None reported.

Key Updates:

New Signings: Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke are integrating well, with Madueke making his full Premier League debut recently against Leeds. Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera are expected to bolster the defense in the absence of Gabriel and Tomiyasu.

Squad Depth: Despite injuries, Arsenal have options like Jurrien Timber (who scored twice against Leeds), Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Ethan Nwaneri to provide versatility. Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard will be pivotal in midfield, while Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are guaranteed starters on the wings.

Omitted Players: Recent posts indicate Reiss Nelson, Fabio Vieira, Jakub Kiwior, Max Dowman, Albert Sambi Lokonga, and Oleksandr Zinchenko were left out of the squad against Leeds, suggesting they may not feature prominently here unless injuries force changes.

Liverpool vs. Arsenal Match Summary

Highlights - Liverpool vs. Arsenal

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Press Conference

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Inside Training

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Match Preview

This match is known as the "derby of the round," and after Liverpool's thrilling victory over Newcastle, Anfield is predicted to be electrified.

Although both sides are extremely talented offensively, their defensive strategies will be put to the test. Arsenal's defensive tenacity may make it challenging for the Reds to defeat them, while Liverpool's high scoring games (100 percent of home games this season have had more than 2.5 goals) point to an open, end-to-end contest.

Battle Strategy:

Liverpool: With Salah, Gakpo, and Luis Diaz taking advantage of openings, Arne Slot's team excels during transitions. However, Arsenal might be able to control possession because they don't have a metronomic midfield player. Alexander-Arnold's replacement, Conor Bradley, will have to be cautious around Arsenal's wingers.

Arsenal: With a potent defense and skill at set pieces, Mikel Arteta's squad is designed for dominance. Saka and Odegaard's interaction with Gyokeres might cause problems for Liverpool's fragile defense if they are healthy. But their resolve will be put to the test by Liverpool's counterattacking threat and the atmosphere at Anfield.

Important Matchups:

Salah vs. Gabriel/Saliba: Arsenal's center-backs, who haven't given up this season, will have to contend with Salah's movement.

Gakpo vs. White: Ben White must restrict Gakpo on the flank because of his dangerous form.

Szoboszlai vs. Zubimendi/Rice (if fit): This midfield matchup will be pivotal, pitting Liverpool's energy against Arsenal's control.

Injury Concerns:

Liverpool: Alexander-Arnold's absence is noteworthy, although no serious injuries have been reported.

Arsenal: Merino or Nwaneri may replace Rice due to his injury, and Saka and Odegaard are questionable.

Head-to-Head (H2H)

Historical Record: Since 1995, Liverpool has won 26 games, Arsenal has won 20, and 27 games have ended in draws. Particularly in Premier League games, Liverpool leads Arsenal with 14 victories and 8 draws.

Recent Meetings: These teams have drawn their last three Premier League meetings at Anfield, including a thrilling 2-2 draw last season in which Arsenal rallied from a 2-0 deficit thanks to goals from Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli. Since a 2-0 victory in 2012, Arsenal has lost all 12 of their away games against Liverpool (D5, L7).

Goal Trends: With 78 goals in 20 games since 2015–16, this match has the second-highest scoring total in Premier League history (198 goals). Over 2.5 goals have been scored by both clubs in the last four competitive matches.

Team Form and Context

Liverpool: The Reds, under Arne Slot, are coming off a strong 2024/25 season where they clinched the Premier League title. They recently secured a dramatic 3-point win against Newcastle, with 17-year-old debutant Ngumoha scoring a stoppage-time winner. Liverpool’s attack is potent, led by Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, and new signing Hugo Ekitike, with a midfield bolstered by Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. However, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s announced departure to Real Madrid could impact their right-back position, with Conor Bradley stepping in. Joe Gomez is their only major absentee. Liverpool’s recent home games have been high-scoring, with their last eight matches seeing both teams score and over 3.5 goals.

Arsenal: The Gunners, managed by Mikel Arteta, are unbe aten in their first two matches of the 2025/26 season, including a 5-0 thrashing of Leeds, where Jurrien Timber and Viktor Gyokeres each scored twice. Their defense has been rock-solid, keeping two consecutive clean sheets. However, injuries to Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Magalhaes, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Kai Havertz are concerns, though their squad depth remains strong with new signings like Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke. Arsenal’s five-match unbeaten run against Liverpool (2 wins, 3 draws) adds intrigue, but they haven’t won at Anfield since 2012.

Key Players:

Liverpool: With his speed and goal-scoring prowess, Mohamed Salah is a continual threat. His interactions with Ekitike and Gakpo could take advantage of Arsenal's weak defense. Alexander-Arnold's replacement, Conor Bradley, will have a difficult time against Arsenal's wingers.

Arsenal: The speed and directness of Arsenal's Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will put Liverpool's full-backs to the test. In order to counter Liverpool's dynamic trio, Declan Rice will be essential in the midfield. A recent addition, Viktor Gyokeres, has the clinical finishing ability to influence the game.

Betting Tips and Odds

Match Result (1X2)

Liverpool to Win: 2.16 (Oddspedia) to 2.30 (talkSPORT BET, enhanced odds at 30/1 for new customers with a max £1 stake)

Arsenal to Win: 3.30 (Bet365)

Draw: 3.30 (Bet365)

Analysis: Given their impressive home record at Anfield, where they have defeated Arsenal in their last 12 Premier League meetings (W7, D5), Liverpool is a slight favorite. But Arsenal is a serious contender because of their superb defense and flawless start. With the last three league encounters at Anfield ending in a draw (all 2-2), the draw is a popular choice.

Double Chance

Arsenal or Draw: 1.72 (LeagueLane)

Liverpool or Draw: 1.36 (7bet)

Analysis: The double chance market offers lower risk. Arsenal or Draw is favored by some analysts due to Liverpool’s defensive issues (conceding two goals in each of their first two games) and Arsenal’s clean sheets. However, Liverpool’s attacking form makes them hard to beat at home.

Both Teams to Score (BTTS)

Yes: 1.70 (LeagueLane, footballpredictions.com)

No: 2.10 (general market average)

Analysis: BTTS is a strong bet, as both teams have scored in their last four competitive meetings. Liverpool have scored in 98% of their games under Arne Slot, while Arsenal’s attack, led by Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli, has been clinical. Liverpool’s defensive frailties (four goals conceded in two games) further supportmlung this pick.

Over/Under Goals

Over 2.5 Goals: 1.91 (Bet365)

Under 2.5 Goals: 1.91 (Bet365)

Analysis: Over 2.5 goals is a popular choice, as the last four head-to-heads at Anfield in the Premier League have produced at least three goals. Liverpool’s games this season have averaged 5.0 goals (4-2 vs. Bournemouth, 3-2 vs. Newcastle), and their attacking style under Slot suggests an open game. Arsenal’s 5-0 thrashing of Leeds also points to their scoring potential.

Correct Score

2-2 Draw: 12.00 (general market average)

Liverpool 2-1: 9.00 (Ladbrokes)

Arsenal 1-2: 10.00 (general market average)

Analysis: A 2-2 draw is a favored correct score due to the teams’ recent history (both 2024-25 meetings ended 2-2). Liverpool’s home advantage might edge them to a 2-1 win, as predicted by Ladbrokes, but Arsenal’s defensive strength could keep the scoreline tight.

Anytime Goalscorers

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool): 2.00 (general market average)

Viktor Gyokeres (Arsenal): 2.50 (general market average)

Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal): 3.50 (Squawka)

Analysis: Salah is a reliable pick, having scored in key matches, though his recent quiet spell is a concern. Gyokeres, with two goals against Leeds, is a strong contender, especially if Bukayo Saka is absent. Martinelli’s record of four goals in his last seven games against Liverpool makes him a value bet.

Draw No Bet

Liverpool: 1.55 (7bet)

Arsenal: 2.40 (7bet)

Analysis: This market is appealing for cautious bettors. Liverpool’s home form makes them the safer option, but Arsenal’s defensive record offers value for those backing the Gunners.

Specials and Price Boosts

Over 0.5 Goals: 40/1 (BettingOdds.com, new customers, max £1 bet, £40 in free bets if a goal is scored, otherwise £20)

Liverpool to Win with Enhanced Odds: 30/1 (talkSPORT BET, new customers, max £1 bet, paid in cash at normal odds and topped up with free bets)

Analysis: The over 0.5 goals bet is essentially a free bet offer, as it’s highly likely a goal will be scored given both teams’ scoring records. The enhanced odds for a Liverpool win are attractive for low-stake bettors looking for high returns.

Prediction:

Leeds should be defeated by Arsenal due to their home record, defensive sturdiness, and historical advantage, but the visitors' speed and attacking desire may make it close. Posts on X stress that Arsenal must get off to a fast start in order to avoid being overtaken by Leeds' changes. Arsenal is expected to win 3-1 thanks to Gyökeres and Saka, but Leeds could take advantage of a defensive slip through Calvert-Lewin or Piroe.

Predicted starting lineup

Liverpool possible starting lineup: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez/Robertson; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Salah, Ekitike, Gakpo.

Arsenal possible starting lineup: Raya; White, Saliba, Mosquera, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli.

Liverpool vs. Arsenal